SUNDERLAND secured only their second Premier League success in 17 away games to claim three vital points.

Steven Fletcher pounced in the 42nd minute for his eighth goal of the campaign to end Southampton’s mini revival that had seen them pick up 11 points from their last six matches.

There was certainly an element of good fortune for the Black Cats with the only goal of the game. Stephane Sessegnon looked to be attempting a shot on goal when he met Adam Johnson’s cross, but was so far off target the ball skidded through to Fletcher who swept his effort past home keeper Kelvin Davis.

Sunderland boss Martin O’Neill said: “Sessegnon miskicked, and thank God for that! I am glad he ‘passed’ the ball to Fletcher, who has been immense for us this season. He is fantastic.

“The first goal was important and it came just at the right time for us. Now I feel this win will give us more confidence for three more massive matches over the Christmas period. The next three games are huge, but this win has given us a real boost.”

Saints boss Nigel Adkins admitted: “We were uncharacteristically flat. For whatever reason things didn’t materialise. I made positive substitutions early in the second period to try to give us that spark, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case.”

Apart from a first-minute effort from Sessegnon that Davis tipped over, and a Rickie Lambert free-kick that Sunderland’s Craig Gardner deflected for a corner, the first half was decidedly devoid of attacking ideas until just before the break.

Saints were clearly missing the skill and invention of Adam Lallana, who is likely to be ruled out for the whole of the festive programme with a knee injury.

Adkins gave a first league start to Emmanuel Mayuka, after six appearances as substitute, but the Zambian struggled to keep pace with the occasion and his only real chance resulted in a half-hit shot straight at Sunderland keeper Simon Mignolet. Then in the 42nd minute the game came alive as Sunderland produced a meaningful attack that was sufficient to edge them in front.

We were uncharacteristically flat. For whatever reason things didn’t materialise

Nigel Adkins

Johnson crossed low from the left and, although Sessegnon looked to be trying to test Davis with a first time shot, his wayward effort fell invitingly for Fletcher, who swept the ball in.

It may have had a element of luck about it, but it certainly served to inspire the visitors, who looked far more eager and urgent than Saints throughout the whole of the second half, as they went in search of extending their lead.

With the ineffective Mayuka giving way to Steve De Ridder, Lambert was left up front to try to force the equaliser.

But Carlos Cuellar gave the striker few chances to impress as he stood dominant in the heart of the Sunderland defence. And on the rare occasion Cuellar was pulled out of position, fellow defender John O’Shea was on hand to lend his support.